“All parents want their kids to be on a healthy track to success,” said Cárdenas. “That’s why I’m honored to be part of the Ask, Listen, Learn program. Our kids have to understand that drinking underage is a poor decision that could drastically affect their chances to achieve the goals they’ve set.”

Congressman Cárdenas cheered on students as they enthusiastically competed for high scores in the running competition on Ask, Listen, Learn’s interactive game. The game enables middle school kids to learn about the negative consequences of underage drinking and the benefits of making healthy decisions while they exercise. The premise is based on research by Harvard Medical School’s Dr. John Ratey, showing that for a person’s brain to function at its peak, the body needs to move. The multimedia program includes the game and print materials, with the website presenting a pledge to live a healthy lifestyle, online games and pages featuring Ask, Listen, LearnSuperstars.

Sun Valley Principal Roberto Lee applauded The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s efforts to reach his students on this key issue. “We’re proud to have Ask, Listen, Learn in our classrooms. Not only do the students enjoy actively learning on the game with their peers, they bring what they learn home to their families to start collaborative conversations about underage drinking.”

“The availability of alcohol to underage youth has declined for more than a decade, yet 11 percent of 8th graders report they have consumed alcohol in the past month,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. “It’s important for parents to have the conversation about underage drinking early, because by the time these students are in high school it could be too late. Our message here today encourages healthy choices for a happy future.”

Along with the interactive game, teachers at Sun Valley Middle will also receive newly-published Scholastic materials featuring US Gymnastics team captain and Ask, Listen, Learn Ambassador Aly Raisman for their classrooms.

About Ask, Listen, Learn

Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program of its kind. Ask, Listen, Learn’s initiatives include Asklistenlearn.com, a website that encourages kids to “say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking” by offering kids interactive and educational games and videos. On the site kids can read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices. Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site to find tips on how to facilitate these conversations with kids.

About The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, is a national not-for-profit leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol and develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns which ignite action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.responsibility.org and www.asklistenlearn.org.